Judge lets Lockport burglar choose his own sentence

A Lockport burglar decided Wednesday that his top priority is beating his drug addiction – even if he must risk seven years in prison.

State Supreme Court Justice Richard C. Kloch Sr. told Hubert L. Johnson Jr. to choose between two to four years in a cell, or 90 days in the state prison system's secure drug treatment facility.

After treatment, Johnson would be paroled – but any relapses or other parole violations would send him behind bars for 3 1/2 to seven years.

Johnson, 30, who was caught cutting pipe in a house on Washburn Street March 15, chose drug treatment.

"Good luck. It's the best I can do for you, sir. The rest is up to you," said Kloch, who said he was influenced by an emotional letter from Johnson's wife.

Thomas J. Prohaska – Thomas Prohaska has been a reporter for The Buffalo News since 1995. A graduate of Starpoint Central High School and St. Bonaventure University, he previously worked at WLVL Radio in Lockport.